VERNON RICHTER obituary

BIG SANDY Vernon Vincent Richter, 88, longtime resident of Big Sandy and retired pharmacist, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007, at the Big Sandy Medical Center of natural causes.

Cremation will take place and his memorial service will be 11 a. m. Monday at the Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor Jeff Stoopes officiating. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the church immediately after the services. A private family interment will be held at a later time. Vernon was born Jan. 24, 1919, in Vandalia to Alexander LeRoy and Adeline (McLeod) Richter. He was raised and educated in Hinsdale. Vernon attended Pharmacy School in Fargo, N.D. He graduated with his pharmaceutical degree in 1943. He entered into the United States Army in Dec. 29, 1943, and served in World War II. He was honorably discharged in Feb. 8, 1946, as a first lieutenant. He moved to Big Sandy and purchased Big Sandy Drug which he operated from 1947 to 1979. He owned and operated Owl Drug in Havre and also owned stores in Choteau and Chester. He married Helen Y. Caldwell on Dec. 31, 1975 in Big Sandy. Vernon enjoyed al animals especially his horses and llamas. He loved living in Big Sandy and like its small town atmosphere. Vernon was an avid basketball fan and enjoyed watching the game especially when his children or grandchildren were playing. Vernon enjoyed the outdoors and watching things grow. He was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church, the Masons and Rotary. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Vaughn Richter in 1975; son, Clarke Richter; sister, Cecelia; and brothers, Byron and Seldon. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Helen Richter of Big Sandy; daughter, Jan (Stan) Holmquist of Bozeman; sons, Richard (Jane) Richter of Tucson, Ariz., Rhett (Pearl) Richter of Glendive, Michael (Julie) Richter of Milwaukee, Wis., and Douglas (Sarah) Richter of St. Paul, Minn.; sister, Leola Robinson of Sedro Woolley, Wash.; brother, Worrell Richter of Maple Valley, Wash.; 16 grandchildren; and 12 greatgrandchildren. Memorials in Vernon's honor may be made to The Big Sandy Medical Center, The Big Sandy Ambulance or to a memorial of one's choice. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.